i know the rx-8 pulls out 238hp to the crank.
but how much does pull out to the rear wheel?

 

I've seen nothing but 180-190. The loss percentage should be lower because of the carbon fiber driveshaft,electric steering, etc I don't think the car has been truely dyno'ed yet.....because of the DSC and ABS
I've heard that the car goes into "limp" mode when it senses that the front wheels aren't moving as fast as the rear wheels.

 

Racing Beat measured 218 H.P. at the crank using a chasis dyno. They have and aftermarket K&N intake which produces and additional 7 H.P. so it's 211 crank H.P. Yes it's a lot lower than Mazdas claim.